Johnson and Johnson: Take Back the Toxic Soap (us Green Parents are Not Happy)

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Oh, things are cooking in the blogosphere. I am part of Green Moms Carnival and there are some amazing and inspiring moms writing about important issues everyday. Remember when I recently reported about the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ recent Toxic Tub report? Where they shared that mainstream baby soap and shampoo contains cancer causing ingredients formaldehyde and 1,4 dioxane at low levels?

In response to this news, parents and governments across the world are outraged and are taking action. Many retailers in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam have pulled Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo from their selves. Where is the U.S. outrage? Isn’t it a tad ironic that in China they are pulling this from the shelves, while we sit idly by?

Jennifer at the Smart Mama wrote this powerful post sharing about a new campaign, also ironic, from Johnson and Johnson to promote their bath products. They’ve got bloggers, video, contests, you name it. Maryanne also wrote about this campaign over at Eco-Child’s Play, and it’s odd timing with the Toxic Tub report. I find myself scratching my head. A report comes out telling parents that Johnson and Johnson’s baby products have 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde, and we know they have phthalates, and millions of parents will now see commercials, blog posts, and ads promoting the stuff (not to mention a media star, “green mom” even, Angie Harmon, to be a spokesperson).

Well, the Green Moms Carnival have a hold of this and look out. We know that the amounts of these chemicals is small. But that isn’t the point. The point is that they shouldn’t be in there at all. Parents should be demanding that Johnson and Johnson reformulate to remove 1,4 dioxan, formaldehyde, and phthalates. It’s also a two timing move to talk about how green they are but then continue to look the other way while these toxic ingredients are in there very own products.

According to the Safe Cosmetics Report,

“Contrary to industry statements, the U.S. has no safety standards for formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in personal care products, nor does it limit the amount of these chemicals in products or require that they be listed on labels. The European Union has banned 1,4-dioxane from personal care products and has recalled products found to contain the chemical. Formaldehyde is banned from personal care products in Japan and Sweden, and restricted in the EU and Canada.

‘Once again, the U.S. is lagging when it comes to protecting children’s health,’ said Lisa Archer of the Breast Cancer Fund and coordinator of the Campaign. ‘The lack of safety standards in the U.S. is disadvantaging American companies. We need updated laws to ensure that American products meet the highest bar of safety and are free of toxic chemicals.’”

It’s time for some outrage, parents. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved. See my earlier post about the Toxic Tub report for way to can take action and keep your kids safe. It really shouldn’t have to be this hard, and parents across the country are talking about it. Johnson and Johnson needs to provide America with what they seek to perpetuate: a safe product for our kids, be a company that is transparent, and as green as possible. To do any less would be hypocritical and disrespectful. The Green Moms are angry, well-researched, and will be heard. Check out what they have to say on April 1st, at the Green and Clean Mom (thanks to Sommer for hosting and alerting us to the Johnson and Johnson campaign)!

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